It is very possible to complete a backfill by hand filing. To make a backfill easier, thin out your normal application so you won’t have as much to file. Start your fill by filing the cuticle area, then move on to the stress area, then the free edge. Thin the product out as much as you can. Next, use a brand new file and don’t smooth out the sharp edges — you will need these to make your trench. When filing out the smile line, hold your file so you are only using the sharp edge. This will help in giving you the definition between the pink and the white. Be very careful — files are sharp and will file the product fast.
Remember, you are using a file — not a drill — so your actual smile line will be created more with product application using this procedure. After you have created the basis of your smile line, continue on with your normal fill. — Amber Edwards is a nail tech and nail technology educator based in West Chicago, Ill. Her website is www.nailtech-inc.com.